Middle English Dictionary Entry
patriarcāl adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | patriarcāl adj. |
| Etymology | ML patriarchālis |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Eccl. ~ chirches, the five Roman basilicas associated with the patriarchs of the chief sees: St. John Lateran, St. Peter's, St. Paul's, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Lorenzo fuori le Mura.
Associated quotations
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)41 : It is neythir on of þe uii cherches ne non of þe patriarcal cherchis whech be clepe staciones.